Mocha starts crossing Cox’s Bazar-North Myanmar coast

The very severe cyclonic storm Mocha has started to cross Cox’s Bazar-North Myanmar coast. It is likely to move north-northeasterly direction further and complete crossing Cox’s Bazar-North Myanmar coast by afternoon or evening on Sunday.

According to today's weather special bulletin number 18 of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the very severe cyclonic storm "Mocha" over east central bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards, intensified over north east bay and adjoining area (near lat. 18.8°n, lon. 91.3°e). 

It was centered at 6am today about 385 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 305 kms south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 450 kms south of Mongla port and 370 kms south of Payra port, according to the bulletin.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the very severe cyclone centre is about 195 kph rising to 215 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the storm centre.

Maritime port of Cox's Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal number 10.

Maritime ports of Chattogram and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal number 8.

Maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number 8.

Under the peripheral effect of very severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 08-12 feet above normal astronomical tide.

Under the peripheral effect of very severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.